MHS REPORT: Yenzer, Bulldogs press on in spite of accolades

Midland football head coach Craig Yenzer reacts to a game official during the first half of play against DeSoto on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, at Grande Communications Stadium. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

Midland football head coach Craig Yenzer reacts to a game official during the first half of play against DeSoto on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, at Grande Communications Stadium. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

Midland football head coach Craig Yenzer reacts to a game official during the first half of play against DeSoto on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, at Grande Communications Stadium. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

Midland football head coach Craig Yenzer reacts to a game official during the first half of play against DeSoto on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, at Grande Communications Stadium. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

One couldn’t have written a better script for Craig Yenzer’s 100th career win at Midland High.

Last Friday night, the Bulldogs endured many twists and turns in a seesaw battle with Odessa Permian at historic Ratliff Stadium.

Both teams combined to score 57 points during a riveting fourth quarter, in which both squads scored four touchdowns apiece.

Trailing 48-41 late in the fourth quarter and needing to get the ball back, MHS got what the doctor ordered when free safety Chris Sims caused a fumble on an 11-yard gain by Permian, which was recovered by linebacker Smith Essman at the Panthers’ 39-yard line.

Five plays later, quarterback Jackson Anuszkiewicz connected with Courtney McMaryion on a 7-yard touchdown with 29 seconds left, pushing the Bulldogs to a thrilling 49-48 victory over Permian.

Yenzer said his 100th win was emotional when he began to reflect Saturday morning on all the coaches and players that played a part in the achievement.

But ultimately, Yenzer was more pleased with 6-1 Midland High improving to 3-0 in District 2-6A as it enters its bye week before it hosts a formidable Amarillo Tascosa team on Oct. 21.

“That 3-0 mark was huge for us to be able to accomplish that,” Yenzer said. “It really sets us up to have a great chance of making the playoffs, really sets you up in terms of seeding for the playoffs. All those things are still out there in front of us -- the district championship -- so our goals are still intact. That’s why I really wasn’t too hyped up on the other stuff. It’s more about 3-0 and now it’s on to Tascosa.”

Yenzer, now in his 15th season with the Bulldogs, is hands down the most decorated coach in program history as he holds 56 more career wins than any other coach, has helmed four of the Bulldogs’ five 10-win seasons, has been involved in 12 of MHS’ 13 playoff victories and has led the school to its only state championship game in 2002.

Yenzer, though, wasn’t basking in the laundry list of achievements Tuesday. He praised the efforts of offensive line coach Jim Conger and defensive coordinator Tim Anuszkiewicz, both long-time assistants, for being with him through the thick and thin.

“It becomes an emotional deal because you think about all the people that have had such a big impact on this,” Yenzer said. “That’s what makes it neat. It’s not look at what we’ve done, look at what I’ve done. It’s more about those assistants and those players that make it special, especially this team.

“It’s a really close bond with this group. I really love this bunch of kids, you see the sacrifices they made.”

Yenzer believed Friday his kids showed their resolve and mettle once again, overcoming a pair of two-score deficits, including a 13-point deficit with 4:22 remaining.

The Bulldogs made some gut-wrenching gaffes, which included two possessions lost on loose footballs when they were receiving kickoffs. Permian capitalized on both mistakes with touchdowns, but it didn’t stop MHS’ well-oiled machine offense from fighting back with big plays.

Jackson Anuszkiewicz tossed four passing touchdowns that were for 44 yards or more.

“You really are proud of the intangible things that our team has right now,” Yenzer said. “They’re just believing in what we’re doing and they’re continuing to fight. All those things in the end, they make you a good football team and we’re able to do those things. Sometimes we have to overcome ourselves a little bit in terms of the mistakes we make, but this bunch has a big heart so that’s the big news for us right now.”

Following the Tascosa game, Midland High finishes with a road game at AP No. 7-ranked San Angelo Central (6-0, 2-0) and a home date with Odessa High (0-6, 0-2).

Follow Christopher on Twitter: @chris_MRTsports

Midland High MVPs

Offense

Jackson Anuszkiewicz, Sr., QB

Anuszkiewicz accounted for all seven of the Bulldogs’ touchdowns during a 49-48 victory over Permian. Anuszkiewicz tossed 16 of 23 passes for 361 yards, a school-record six touchdown passes, had 38 rushing yards and one rushing TD. Anuszkiewicz also set Midland High’s career mark in TD passes with 32, breaking the record of 27 that was put up by Ryan Rowland from 2001-02.

Defense

Joseph Barron, Sr., LB

Barron earned a high grade from the coaching staff after registering 11 solo tackles, two assisted tackles and 13 total tackles against a run-heavy Panthers team. Barron leads MHS with 47 solo tackles and is tied for the team-lead with six tackles for loss this season.

Special teams

Jacoby Thornton, Jr., CB

Thornton blocked Permian’s extra point attempt following Ed Williams’ 1-yard TD run in the fourth quarter, which turned out to be the difference in the Bulldogs’ 49-48 win. It was the second straight week that Thornton blocked a kick.

BULLDOG BITES

-- Midland High quarterback Jackson Anuszkiewicz was named Built Ford Tough Texas High School Player of the Week in Class 6A after he engineered a game-winning scoring drive in last Friday’s 49-48 win over Permian.

The honor recognizes football players for their performance on the gridiron, in the classroom and in the community.

Anuszkiewicz had 361 yards passing and seven total TDs against the Panthers.

The MHS senior also holds a 3.85 grade point average, is a member of the National Honor Society, mentors kids and provides motivational speeches at local elementary schools and is a participant in community outreach programs.

“Anuszkiewicz is a hard worker in the weight room, in the film room and in the classroom,” Yenzer said in a press release. “The big thing about Jackson is his work ethic. He’s finally gaining the confidence and has become a true pocket presence with tremendous vision.”

-- Wide receiver Courtney McMaryion moved into second place in career touchdown receptions with 18 in MHS school history with his game-saving 7-yard TD catch in the fourth quarter. McMaryion only trails former Baylor star Antwan Goodley, who had 20 TD catches between 2007-09, in career touchdown receptions.

-- MHS head coach Craig Yenzer said wide receiver/cornerback McLane Mannix played over 100 snaps against Permian. Mannix torched the Panthers defense with six receptions for 180 yards and three touchdowns. On defense, Mannix made eight solo tackles, three assisted tackles and 11 total tackles.

-- Bulldogs left offensive tackle Paxton Heiting earned the coaching staff’s award for top performer on the offensive line against Permian.

-- MHS defensive end Willie Echols suffered a knee sprain in the second half against Odessa Permian. Echols’ status for the Amarillo Tascosa game on Oct. 21 is unclear, but Yenzer believes the Bulldogs will get him back this season.

Yenzer also said there’s a chance that strong safety Holt Wood could play against Tascosa after missing the Permian game with a shoulder injury.

Tight end/linebacker Angel Nabarrette returned to the field against the Panthers after being sidelined with a collarbone injury.